Dongchu was a Chinese Ch'an Master in Mainland China and later in Taiwan, and the teacher of respected modern-day Ch'an Master Sheng-yen.
12 Facts About Dongchu
2.
Dongchu is the 51st generation of Zen patriarch from the Caodong School.
3.
Dongchu established several monasteries and organizations in Taiwan that continue to exist and expand to this very day, including Chung-hwa Institute of Buddhist Culture and Nung Chan Monastery.
4.
Dongchu then pursues his study further at Minnan Buddhist Institute in Xiamen, and studied under renowned scholar-monk and modernist Master Taixu.
5.
Dongchu then became dean of the prestigious school Jiaoshan Buddhist Institute.
6.
Dongchu had a reputation as a progressive thinker who, unlike most monks at his time, would not hesitate to criticize others.
7.
Dongchu was known as a fierce teacher and his students gave him the nickname the 'Big Gun'.
8.
Dongchu became the first permanent council member in the Buddhist Association of the Republic of China in 1947.
9.
Dongchu took temporary shelter at Beitou, near Taipei, at the Fazang Monastery.
10.
Dongchu didn't spend much time leading Buddhist ceremonies or rituals.
11.
Dongchu then studied in Japan for some years and earned a doctorate degree before arriving in United States.
12.
Dongchu died in 1977 in sitting position with no clear illness.